A hard-fought 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win by Sharapova has prolonged the new Porsche brand ambassador’s streak in Stuttgart where she is yet to lose a match. At 5-all in the third set, Sharapova ended the duel quickly as she served at love and then broke Kerber at love to seal the win.

“Maria was more courageous than me in the last two games,” admitted Kerber. “In such situations, she obviously profits from her greater experience. But I saw that I can win such matches.”

Li Na had an easier path to the final as she was never in any real danger, solidifying her place in the finals with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Mattek-Sands.